The government has extended the Integrated Security Development Programme to six more Maoist-affected districts. That takes the number of districts where the army will be partially deployed to deliver the government's hearts-and-minds program to 13. Early this year late King Birendra approved deploying troops to build roads and carry out development work in Gorkha, Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Salyan, Kalikot and Pyuthan-the seven districts hit hardest by the Maoist insurgency. Fashioned after the US Army's Vietnam-era counter insurgency strategy, the ISDP has been extended to Dolakha, Ramechaap, Dailekh, Surkhet, Dang, and Lamjung. Says Dr Jagadish Chandra Pokharel National Planning Commission member, "The army, police and development workers in these district are assessing the area's needs according to which programs will be carried out." The Maoist say the on-going peace talks cannot produce results if the government does not scrap the ISDP and withdraw other policies aimed to muzzle the insurgency.